Ever wondered how lost director’s cuts are uncovered in a studio archive? Or how deleted scenes and forgotten footage resurface decades later? In this episode, we go deep with film librarian Jeffrey Osmer from the Paramount Archives, the behind-the-scenes legend who helps bring hidden film history back to life.

We reveal how the director’s cut of William Friedkin’s Jade was reconstructed, and we break down the painstaking process it took to finding each shot for Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition. Jeffrey even shares an emotional story behind restoring the Twin Towers to Zoolander!

If you're a fan of film restoration, Star Trek, director’s cuts, or you love hearing stories about how archivists rescue lost films, track down alternate versions, and rare footage, this episode is for you!

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We just got back from Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, and it wasn’t just a vacation—it was a full-blown film restoration adventure. In this episode, we’re sharing what it’s like to not only attend one of the most beloved film festivals in the world, but to be part of it! 

Charlotte shares what it was like to introduce the brand-new restorations of Sunset Boulevard (1950), Danger: Diabolik (1968), and the world premiere of Artists and Models (1955), plus she gave a 45-minute talk on the history of VistaVision (in Italy! In July!). We include clips from her intros and the presentation, and talk about the surreal joy of seeing these restorations on the big screen with audiences from around the world.

Adam and Charlotte talk about their favorite non-Paramount film of the festival, Duel in the Sun (1946). 

From spontaneous meetings with fellow film nerds to late-night pasta-fueled movie debates, this episode captures the heart of Ritrovato and why we’re already dreaming about going back. Stick around until the end because Adam grabbed a few "Diabolik-ly" cool tote bags to give away! 

Pop in your earbuds, pour yourself an Aperol Spritz, and join us for a cinematic postcard from Bologna, Italy - no airfare required.

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we’re joined by Paramount Film Preservation Manager Graham, who shares some of his favorite restoration projects—from a high-seas adventure to animated antics. We dive into the silent epic Old Ironsides (1926), explore the innovative Magnascope system used for its original release, and discuss the film’s re-edit and re-release in the 1950s. 

Then we shift gears to cartoons, as Graham walks us through his collaborative work restoring classic Fleischer Studios shorts! Known for creating cartoons with characters like Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, Superman, Bimbo, and more! Along the way, we touch on some of the pioneering techniques used by Inkwell Imps and Famous Studios and discuss what makes these early animated films so special. It’s a journey through two very different corners of film history, united by the art of restoration!

Go to Rockin Pins for officially licensed Fleischer Merchandise:
https://www.rockinpins.com/

Check out the restored Fleischer Cartoons here:
https://fleischertoons.com/

Vote for REDS (1981) to be inducted into the NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY! (Voting is open through August 15, 2025)
https://www.research.net/r/national-f...

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This week on Perf Damage, we're going behind the mask of the new 4K HDR release of Danger: Diabolik (1968) — coming soon from Kino Lorber!

Charlotte walks us through the work behind the new transfer from the original 35mm camera negative—what was done, what wasn’t, and why it looks better than ever. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of how some of the original opticals were updated, how a long-missing outro was rediscovered, and why this version is the most faithful to the original Italian release we've ever seen on U.S. home video.

Meanwhile, Adam dives into the wild world of production drama—from casting clashes to Dino De Laurentiis being... well, Dino. Expect pulp, politics, and plenty of behind-the-scenes chaos.

If you're a fan of Mario Bava, deep cuts in film restoration, or just want to know how Diabolik got his groove back in 4K, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more deep dives, restorations, and film nerdery.
The new 4K HDR disc is coming soon from Kino Lorber!

Note: This episode is not affiliated with or sponsored by Kino Lorber. We're just excited to talk about the work that went into this release and share what went on behind the scenes and we recommend that you pre-order a copy of the disc!

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Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival, where VistaVision made a spectacular return to the big screen! 

We take you inside the magic of the festival, from the installation of VistaVision projectors in the legendary Chinese Theatre to the building of rare 8-perf film prints for Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and We're No Angels. We’ve got stories, secrets, and stunning footage of these screenings coming together.

Charlotte shares clips from her standing-room-only History of VistaVision presentation, and Adam ambushes her with red carpet footage she definitely didn’t approve!

Whether you're a film nerd, restoration geek, or just love classic Hollywood, this episode is packed with widescreen drama, archival magic, and movie love.

Subscribe for more Perf Damage episodes, restoration deep-dives, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of film.

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we sit down with Jeff McCarty, a Senior Preservation Manager on Charlotte’s team at Paramount, to talk about his incredible journey to get into film preservation. Jeff shares the story of how he got his start from attending the USC film school, to working at Technicolor and he walks us through the many twists and turns that led him to Paramount. Along the way, he’s worked on some major restorations, including The Godfather (1972), the silent classic It (1927), The Day of the Locust (1975), and King Kong (1976).

Jeff gives us an inside look at what it really takes to preserve and restore films—from the technical challenges to the unexpected surprises in the archive, and reflects on what it means to care for cinematic history. It’s a conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, deep knowledge, and a whole lot of film love.

Plus, Charlotte and Adam geek out about nitrate, color timing, and what it’s like to work with someone who knows his way around a vault reel like nobody else.

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We can finally share the news we've been teasing for months - Charlotte is heading to the TCM Film Festival to give a talk on The History of VistaVision alongside Craig Barron! In this special mini-episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this widescreen deep dive, the classic films she’ll be introducing, and how this whole crazy project came to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to the magic of VistaVision on the big screen, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s in store. See you at TCMFF (and yeah, this one’s totally our fault)!

Head over to https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/vistavision/ for more info on the VistaVision film prints.

Charlotte's Presentation "Bigger, Sharper, Better: The History of VistaVision" can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/schedule/bigger-sharper-better-the-history-of-vistavision/

Charlotte's TCM page can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/special-guests/charlotte-barker/

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Building on our last episode about widescreen formats in the 1950s, we’re taking you inside a virtual restoration room for a hands-on look at how we determined the correct aspect ratio for The Country Girl (1954). You'll see clips of the film in multiple aspect ratios so you can decide for yourself—was it meant to be seen in 1.66:1 or 1.85:1? If you’ve ever wanted to be a film restorationist for a day, this is your chance to experience what the job is really like. Join us as we compare the film side by side, break down the visual and historical evidence, and reveal how the final decision was made—no lab coat required!

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Join us for an eye-opening (and hilarious) deep dive into the wild world of Hollywood aspect ratios! We’re thrilled to welcome Bob Furmanek and Jack Theakston from the 3D Film Archive, who share their extensive research and experience restoring classic films and solving aspect ratio mysteries.

We discuss some fascinating case studies from their recent restorations, including "The Glass Web (1953)" and "Gog (1954)," and Charlotte shares the challenges of finding the correct aspect ratio for "The Country Girl (1954)." Along the way, we crack jokes, geek out over widescreen formats, and have a great time unraveling the history of how Hollywood framed its biggest films.

PLUS—don’t miss an exclusive premiere of a newly restored clip from "Money From Home  (1953)," coming soon from Kino Lorber!

______
The original widescreen articles referenced in this episode can be found archived on the Wayback Machine here:

https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...

https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...

Check out 3dfilmarchive.com for more news from Bob, Jack and the rest of the 3D Archive gang!

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In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Republic Pictures and the two brothers who turned a B-studio into an A-list innovator: Howard and Theodore Lydecker. Known as the masters of miniature effects, the Lydecker brothers created jaw-dropping special effects that set Republic Pictures apart in the 1930s through the 1950s. Their groundbreaking work inspired generations of filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

Join us as we tell the story of these unsung heroes of Hollywood, explore their creative process, and showcase some of Republic’s best miniature work—from rocket-fueled serials to daring action sequences. Discover how the Lydecker brothers brought big ideas to life on small scales and cemented their legacy in film history.

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